Is stress acne getting you down? You’re not alone. Since the quarantines and lockdowns began, dermatologists have been seeing many adult clients who have had breakouts due to the stressful situation. Patients are often confused about why they’re having these sudden flare-ups when they’re not spending much time outside, so they aren’t being exposed to grime and pollution in the way they were in previous years. What you may have noticed is that when you’re feeling nervous and tense, your skin seems to also go through a tough time. Although your mental state doesn’t cause conditions like eczema or acne, your body does unfortunately release hormones when you’re constantly in a stressed-out state. This can lead to the development of visible conditions. Cortisol, for example, can trigger or worsen your breakouts. For conditions that result in blemishes and pimples, our Albuquerque-based team believes that learning techniques to manage stress can help you to soothe your skin more effectively and prevent breakouts.

We know that having skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and eczema can be more than just bothersome because of the cosmetic issues. They can also be a lot to deal with mentally because they may seem unpredictable—and some can’t be cured. These skin problems have a major impact on patients’ lives and are linked to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Although it may not be fully possible to stop any kind of stress, here’s what you can do to help:

• Get Enough Sleep

Sleeping is one of the most effective stress reducers. When you’re sleep deprived, your exhaustion not only puts you in a worse mood, but also gives you bad skin. Try to get enough quality sleep—preferably seven to nine hours each night—and regulate your sleep schedule.

• Try Relaxing Activities

Whether it’s watching TV, reading a book, painting, or chatting with friends, try to make a little time each day to do something that puts you in a better mood.

• Meditate

Mindfulness meditation and transcendental meditation have been shown to help people focus on the present, build self-esteem, and reduce levels of cortisol in the body.

• Stay Active

Exercise is well known for improving your physical and mental health. The gentle, relaxing movements of tai chi and yoga can help you to release tension.

Find out more about treatments for chronic skin conditions like acne from our team at Western Dermatology Consultants. Call us at 505-855-9267, or submit a contact form to learn more about how emotional stress and anxiety can affect your skin.